LUV (2012)

Here is a film about African Americans that sidesteps all the usual, hopeful cliches and comments on how one failed generation raises another.

The big names in the cast add atmosphere in small doses, especially when Haysbert and Glover combine.

As a film that largely works as a subdued twist on the familiar drama about crime and family, LUV needed more intimacy and focus.

An uneven but strongly acted debut feature from co-writer and director Sheldon Candis.

Heartfelt and formulaic in equal measure.